L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano Basilicata Coast to Coast: from the Tyrrhenian to the Ionian "Life is too short a journey if you don't take detours to make it longer". 233 kilometers (144 miles), from the coast of the Tyrrhenian sea to the shores of the Ionian: the Southern Italian region of Basilicata is becoming a m u c h l o v e d d e s t i n a t i o n t o those seeking dramatic land- scapes, natural beauty, a rich history and simple yet satisfy- ing cuisine. Italian actor Rocco Papaleo, in "Basilicata Coast to Coast" –his first film as direc- tor– has shown the hidden beau- ty of a region that is too often n e g l e c t e d a n d h a s i n s p i r e d many travelers to follow his example and explore the area. In the 2010 comedy four musi- cians who live in Maratea, on the Tyrrhenian, have to go to a talent show in Scanzano, on the Ionian coast. Instead of driving down the interstate –a 90 min- utes trip at worse– they decide to leave ten days in advance and w a l k t h e 2 3 3 k i l o m e t e r s through mountains, hills, val- leys and woods. The result is an incredible and comical journey with stunning backdrops and an untamed nature. The 233 kilo- meter trekking can be at times hard and definitely takes at least ten days, but the same itinerary, f o l l o w i n g t h e e v e n t s o f t h e movie can be done by bike or even by car. The trip starts in Maratea, a real pearl on the sea: surrounded by chestnut woods, this ancient town oozes charm and offers uninterrupted sea v i e w s f r o m i t s b r e a t h t a k i n g position. Walking through its narrow alleys is a real pleasure, as is discover its churches: there are 44 around the village, which is the reason why Maratea has b e e n n i c k n a m e d " c i t t à d e l l e c h i e s e " . T h e C h i e s a d e l l ' Annunziata, with its fabulous majolica dome, and the Palazzo de Lieto are particularly beauti- ful and worth a stop on the way u p M o n t e S a n B i a g i o , t h e m o u n t a i n t h a t h o v e r s o v e r Maratea. On the summit you will find the statue of the Christ Redentore that has been looking down to the sea since 1965. The view from here is absolutely stunning and definitely worth the walk: on clear days you can see all the way to the island of Stromboli. Leaving Maratea the journey takes you through the seaside villages of Acquafredda, C a s t r o c u c c o , C e r s u t a e Fiumicello – seaside towns pop- ular with locals in the summer months– and then, once the sea and the coast are left behind, it takes you to Trecchina, famous f o r i t s b e a u t i f u l w h i t e s t o n e palazzos. Next is Lauria, birth- p l a c e o f t h e m o v i e d i r e c t o r Papaleo, then Tramutola and Viggiano: here, perched on the Sacro Monte, stands a beautiful 14th century sanctuary of the Black Virgin, very popular with pilgrims and locals alike. Next is Aliano, the town where writer Carlo Levi was exiled for years and the place that inspired him to write his masterpiece Cristo s i è f e r m a t o a E b o l i ( C h r i s t stopped in Eboli). From Aliano the journey continues to one of CHIARA ASSI the region's most suggestive v i l l a g e s , t h e g h o s t t o w n o f Craco. The village has been evacuated after a few landslides s c a r e d o f f i t s p o p u l a t i o n i n 1963 and remains, to this day, e e r i l y e m p t y a s i f f r o z e n i n time: for this reason it's popular with movie directors and many scenes from many movies have b e e n f i l m e d i n i t s d e s e r t e d streets and piazzas. From Craco begins the descent to the Ionian coast: the sanctuary of Santa Maria regina d'Anglona, on a hill 700 feet above sea level, offers amazing views before diving down back to the shore, first in Policoro and, finally, in S c a n z a n o J o n i c o – t h e f o u r musicians' destination in the movie. Scanzano is a quiet and quaint coastal town with long beaches and clear water, perfect to wind down after a long jour- ney. All along the way don't miss the opportunity to savor the exquisite yet simple cuisine of the region: a perfect mixture of maritime and mountain tradi- tions it is one of the best, yet lesser known in Italy. Locally produced cold cuts such as sop- pressata di Rivello, fresh home- made pastas, local extra virgin o l i v e o i l , c a c i o c a v a l l o a n d pecorino cheeses are just a few of the fresh ingredients used in B a s i l i c a t a , a l o n g w i t h A g l i a n i c o , a g r e a t l o c a l r e d wine. The region of Basilicata can b e r e a c h e d b y c a r f r o m t h e West by taking the A3 highway Salerno Reggio Calabria and from the East by taking the A14 Autostrada Adriatica Bologna – Taranto; by train from both N a p l e s a n d m a n y t o w n s i n A p u l i a , i n c l u d i n g B a r i a n d Foggia. The closest airports are Napoli Capodichino (90 miles), B a r i P a l e s e ( 4 0 m i l e s ) a n d Brindisi Casale (75 miles). Basilicata is becoming a much loved destination to those seeking dramatic landscapes, natural beauty, a rich history and simple yet satisfying cuisine Christ Redeemer Statue, Maratea, Basilicata

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